dextran

dextran

 [dek´stran]

a water-soluble polysaccharide of glucose produced by the action of Leuconostoc mesenteroides on sucrose; used as an artificial plasma extender.

dex·tran

(deks'tran),

1. Any of several water-soluble high molecular weight glucose polymers (ranging between MW 1,000 and 40,000,000); produced by the action of members of the family Lactobacillaceae and certain other microorganisms on sucrose; used in isotonic sodium chloride solution for the treatment of shock, and in distilled water for the relief of the edema of nephrosis; lower molecular weight dextran (for example, MW 40,000 designated as dextran 40) improves blood flow in areas of stasis by reducing cellular aggregation.
See also: dextransucrase.

2. α-1,6-glucan with branch points (1,2; 1,3; 1,4) that are spaced in a manner characteristic of the individual species; used as plasma substitutes or expanders.
See also: dextransucrase.

dextran

/dex·tran/ (dek´stran) a high-molecular-weight polymer of d-glucose, produced by enzymes on the cell surface of certain lactic acid bacteria. Dextrans formed from sucrose by bacteria in the mouth adhere to the tooth surfaces and produce dental plaque. Uniform molecular weight dextrans from Leuconostoc mesenteroides preparations are used as plasma volume expanders, with specific preparations named for their average molecular weight.

dextran

(dĕk′străn′, -strən)

n.

Any of a group of branched polysaccharides with various molecular weights that are used to prevent thrombosis, as plasma volume expanders, and as food additives.

dextran

Transfusion medicine Dextran-40, dextran-70, dextran-1 A colloid-type volume expander consisting of a large glycogen-like molecules which may occasionally be used in surgical blood management by hemodilution; these substances have the desired properties of being viscid, and gelatinous, resulting in oncotic pressure to retain fluids in vessels; they are widely used as replacement fluids and volume expanders Pros ↓ Allogeneic transfusions, ↓ postoperative bleeding, ↓ blood viscosity Cons Interferes with platelet and RBC function, crossmatching; may cause anaphylaxis and peripheral edema. See Colloid solutions, Crystalloids, Hemodilution, Surgical blood management.

dex·tran

(deks'tran)

Any of several water-soluble high molecular weight glucose polymers; used in isotonic sodium chloride solution for the treatment of shock, and in distilled water for the relief of the edema of nephrosis; lower molecular weight dextran.
See also: dextransucrase

dex·tran

(deks'tran)

Any of several water-soluble high molecular weight glucose polymers; used in isotonic sodium chloride solution to treat shock and to relieve edema of nephrosis.

dextran

a water-soluble polysaccharide of glucose (dextrose) produced by the action of Leuconostoc mesenteroides on sucrose; used as a plasma volume extender. Several preparations of dextran are used as anticoagulants.

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dextran 40

used as an adjuvant in blood transfusion, an anticoagulant.

dextran sulfate

used as an anticoagulant and recently investigated for its antiviral activity.